A plea for assistance has been circulating on social media since Sunday to support Luis Jorge Marín Torres, a Cuban man who has been hospitalized in Cancún for several months and urgently requires blood donors to undergo surgery. The request was shared on Facebook by Sergio Barrera Rodríguez, who detailed the challenging circumstances his family is facing.
"My brother has been hospitalized in Cancún for several months now, and he needs surgery. We are struggling to find donors," Barrera wrote. He specifically reached out to Cubans residing in or near Cancún who could potentially donate blood.
"If you know someone living in Cancún who can help us by donating blood so Luis Jorge can have his operation, I would greatly appreciate it. Please, Cubans, let's support our fellow countryman," he urged.
The post also encourages people to share the message to reach a wider audience, even those unable to donate directly. "Note: If you don't know anyone, please help us by sharing this post," Barrera added.
The Cuban community abroad has often demonstrated its ability to mobilize in the face of medical emergencies, and this situation is yet another reminder of the power of solidarity to save lives across borders.
In Santa Clara, activist Saily González initiated a campaign to help Brianna, a young girl with a lingual tumor that couldn't be treated in Cuba. The child was accepted at a hospital in Miami, and the fundraising aimed to cover the surgery and immigration costs.
In the United States, a Cuban father launched a campaign to bring together his four children, who were orphaned after their mother died of cancer in Cuba. The father recounted that one of the teenagers attempted suicide upon learning they would be sent to a state home. The GoFundMe campaign sought to pay for immigration legal services to facilitate the family reunion.
In Miami, a Cuban mother with a chronic skin condition sought help on social media to cover medical expenses, rent, and her daughters' education. She had lost her job following multiple surgeries and months of hospitalization.
Similarly, in Florida, a young Cuban woman in critical condition after a traffic accident prompted her mother to request a humanitarian visa from Cuba. The accident resulted in the deaths of four other young people and sparked parallel campaigns to fund funerals and hospitalization.
Another instance occurred in Bolivia, where a Cuban woman in intensive care after a motorcycle accident received support through a GoFundMe account and a solidarity raffle organized by relatives from abroad, showcasing the transnational reach of these initiatives.
FAQs on Blood Donation and Cuban Medical Assistance
Why is blood donation crucial for Luis Jorge Marín Torres?
Luis Jorge Marín Torres requires blood donors to proceed with a necessary surgery while hospitalized in Cancún, making blood donation crucial for his medical treatment.
How can the Cuban community abroad assist in medical emergencies?
The Cuban community abroad can assist by mobilizing support, sharing information, and participating in fundraising efforts to cover medical and logistical expenses for those in need.
What are some recent examples of Cuban solidarity in medical cases?
Recent examples include campaigns for a young girl with a tumor in Miami, a family reunion in the U.S., and support for medical treatments and expenses for individuals in critical conditions, highlighting the community's solidarity.